endodermis

(noun)

in a plant stem or root, a cylinder of cells that separates the outer cortex from the central core and controls the flow of water and minerals within the plant

Related Terms

Examples of endodermis in the following topics:

  • The Evolution of Roots in Seedless Plants

    • A layer of cells, known as the endodermis, separates the vascular tissue from the ground tissue in the outer portion of the root.
    • The endodermis is exclusive to roots, serving as a checkpoint for materials entering the root's vascular system.
    • This ensures that only materials required by the root pass through the endodermis, while toxic substances and pathogens are generally excluded.